This week the regular annual cycle is a double-parsha (Chukat, Numbers chapters 19 through 21), and then parsha Balak, chapters 22 through 24...and a bit more. Admittedly, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa thinks that's a bit much for one week's study, but at least it's an interesting combination, for reason's we'll explore.

First, the story itself, in the Erev Shabbat overview and reading:

https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SSM-6-30-23-Chuka-Balak-double-parsha-teaching-podcast-x.mp3

The double-parsha really DOES resonate with the "times and seasons" today, this year, however. From elements of "do this because I SAY so," that have to do directly with death, to the story of a man who clearly HEARD from YHVH, but somehow didn't actually listen, are about as clear a warning as we should expect. But, even more, as Mark suggests in the strongest possible way, it's vital to understand how a people who were so specifically blessed by Yahuah were able to be seduced into cursing THEMSELVES!

Double parsha Chukat/Balak:

How to Dupe People into Cursing THEMSELVES, and Where's Pinchas When We Need Him the Most?

https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WT-CooH-7-1-23-Chukat-Balak-Too-Late-for-Pinchas-Bilaam-and-the-Pride-Plague-massive-volume-edits-podcast-xxx.mp3

The combined full two-part teaching is here: